Structural Disclaimer Note

[JAE]

There are times when we seal a sheet that is a "combined" architectural and structural sheet. The sheet may be primarily architectural in nature (wall sections for example) but we have come in an added structural notes, rebar, dimensions, angles, etc. instead of setting up completely separate S sheets.

When this occurs, there are times when we need to sign and seal the sheet along with the architect.

Do any of you have any special disclaimer notes that say something like "the structural seal applies only to structural items"???

Can you share them?

 

[haynewp]

I don't normally get the request to have my seal plus the architect's seal on the same drawing. If it is mostly an architectural drawing, we just let the architect seal the drawing and our structural is sort of incidental. I haven't gotten complaints from the architects by handling it this way before.

 

[msquared48]

I just limit the stamp to whqt I am approving and put it under the signed stamp, whether it is vertical, lateral, a specifid detail or note, or what. To be clearer, I may place the stamp close to what I am approving on the drawing.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[ARLORD]

I don't know what your state rules are, but in my state, an engineer can't do/seal architectural work and vice versa. Therefore, it is implied that the structural seal is only for the structural work. What are the rules in your state, if any.

 

[haynewp]

I was about to say that, in some states they allow architects to seal incidental structural work.

 

[akastud]

I have an additional stamp that says "For structural engineering per attatched calculations". Seems to do the job

akastud

 

[ltlspf]

In our office, we deal with some smaller remodels and additions once in while where it does not make sense to draft up a separate structural drawing. In this case we will provide a PE stamp on the architectural drawings which the architect also stamps. We have a separate stamp that states we are only signing off on the structure alone and are not responsible for any of the architectural design or dimensions.

 

[whyun]

Stamping requirements are established by the AHJ. They only have general rules and in obscure situations, AHJ may not even know what is the appropriate way of stamping. When in doubt, contact the AHJ, explain the situation and ask what they require.

I've stamped a structural detail within an architectural sheet before. Arch's stamp on the title block and mine inside my detail.

If there is an SEOR for the project and for some odd reason, structural info must be shown in other discipline's drawings, SE may not be required to sign. The limits of liability can be handled outside the contract document.

For incidental projects where there are no structural sheets, but AHJ requires the SE or PE stamp, I don't know what I'd do.

In California, for typical projects, architect stamps every sheet, engineers stamp their sheets only.

 

[structuresguy]

"In California, for typical projects, architect stamps every sheet, engineers stamp their sheets only. "

Wow!?!? Really? Why would the architect stamp every sheet? He has no responsibility for the contents of sheets other than architectural, and no knowledge that the contents were designed correctly. What happened to the "direct supervision" requirement? I sure would not do that if I were the architect.

 

[jike]

JAE:

We typically have stamped our sheets only. Architect will stamp his sheet even if there is some minor structural on it.

 

[pelotoner]

"STRUCTURAL ONLY" does the trick for us. The Architect will seal incidental structural which we redline for them.

 

[whyun]

2007 California Administrative Code has such requirements for DSA/OSHPD projects. Local AHJ for projects other than schools/hospitals may have less stringent stamping requirements.

Idea is to designate a "prime design professional" to be responsible for coordinating between all other disciplines. Typically, it is the architect, who is the prime, which hire all other disciplines to complete the project.

 

[rday]

What I have done in the past is provide the sealed calculations with 8 1/2 x 11 details attatched for structural information shown on architectural drawings.

This has always been accepted by the AHJ.

 

[joder]

Write the word "structural" under your signature. There is an outside chance that it is not clear what is structural and what is not, but I don't worry about it and its never come back to bite me. The Florida law states that when there are multiple engineers on the same drawing or spec., to indicate what discipline you are responsible for.

Additionally, we have a stamp with our firm's name, address, PE number, and state Certificate of Authorization on it. It is a state law that that information be on stamped documents.

 

[JAE]

In many of the states I'm licensed in the word "Structural" appears on the seal. I guess what I was looking for was some language (legal like perhaps?) that somehow defines what is "structural" and what is not structural...for example, I might have designed the main wall light gage studs for a wall section but not the supplemental studs that form a soffit at the roof overhang. Should something go wrong with the supplemental framing (which I had nothing to do with) then I get nailed unless I can differentiate between really structural stuff and sorta structural stuff.

 

[whyun]

JAE,

It is not practical to make the distinction on the drawings. Best thing may be to specify what is included in your scope of work/responsibility on the contract between you and your client (architect?). Have an exclusion clause with a list of items not included in your scope, such as supplemental framing, etc.

 

[ssweetland]

Sorry for tardiness, but came across this today in the California "Rules of the Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 5 §§ 400-476"

"(3) When signing and sealing documents containing work done by or under the responsible charge of two or more licensees, the signature and seal of each licensee in responsible charge shall be placed on the documents with a notation describing the work done under each licensee’s responsible charge."

You should check with your state board.